NASA Science and Moon Formation Activity

What is the name of the massive object theorized to have collided with Earth to form the Moon?

• Gaia

• Titan

• Selene

• Theia

Answer explanation

Theia is the name of the large celestial body theorized to have collided with Earth, leading to the formation of the Moon. This hypothesis is known as the Giant Impact Hypothesis.

What did the Apollo missions bring back to Earth that revolutionized our understanding of the Moon's origins?

• Comet fragments

• Asteroids

• Meteorites

• Lunar samples

Answer explanation

The Apollo missions brought back lunar samples, which provided crucial insights into the Moon's composition and geological history, helping to revolutionize our understanding of its origins.

What is the approximate age of the Moon according to the rock samples?

• 1.5 billion years

• 2.5 billion years

• 3.5 billion years

• 4.5 billion years

Answer explanation

The Moon is approximately 4.5 billion years old, based on radiometric dating of lunar rock samples brought back by the Apollo missions, which aligns with the age of the Earth.

What is the main reason the Moon's surface changes more slowly than Earth's?

• Presence of water

• Higher gravity

• Active geological processes

• Lack of atmosphere

Answer explanation

The Moon's surface changes more slowly than Earth's primarily due to its lack of atmosphere. Without an atmosphere, there is minimal weathering and erosion, which are significant factors in shaping Earth's surface.

What mineral is widespread on the Moon's surface, indicating a past magma ocean?

• Quartz

• Anorthosite

• Basalt

• Granite

Answer explanation

Anorthosite is a type of rock that is abundant on the Moon's surface, formed from the crystallization of a magma ocean. Its presence indicates that the Moon once had a molten state, making it the correct answer.

What is the current rate at which the Moon is moving away from Earth?

• 1.5 inches per year

• 3 inches per year

• 5 inches per year

• 7 inches per year

Answer explanation

The Moon is currently moving away from Earth at a rate of approximately 1.5 inches per year, which is the result of gravitational interactions and tidal forces between the Earth and the Moon.

What is the primary composition difference between the Moon and Earth?

• Iron content

• Silicon content

• Carbon content

• Oxygen content

Answer explanation

The primary composition difference between the Moon and Earth is their iron content. The Moon has a lower iron content compared to Earth, which affects their overall density and geological characteristics.

What is the thickness of the Moon's crust on its near side?

• 93 miles

• 150 miles

• 70 miles

• 43 miles

Answer explanation

The thickness of the Moon's crust on its near side is approximately 43 miles. This value is supported by geological studies and measurements, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Which program aims to return humans to the Moon?

• Artemis

• Apollo

• Gemini

• Mercury

Answer explanation

The Artemis program is NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon, aiming for sustainable exploration and preparing for future missions to Mars. In contrast, Apollo was the original Moon landing program, while Gemini and Mercury focused on earlier spaceflight.

What is one of the main goals of the Artemis missions?

• Mine lunar resources

• Establish a permanent Moon base

• Obtain new samples from different Moon locations

• Send humans to Mars

Answer explanation

One of the main goals of the Artemis missions is to obtain new samples from different Moon locations. This will help scientists understand the Moon's history and resources better, supporting future exploration efforts.